Caucasian goldenring description

Also referred to as spiketails and biddies, golden-ringed dragonflies (Cordulegastridae) are large black dragonflies with generally bright yellow rings more or less encircling their abdomen, depending of the species (2)(3). The Caucasian goldenring (Cordulegaster mzymtae) is one of the darker species of the genus and shows only small yellow marks on the abdomen, although it exhibits the typical thoracic yellow bands of most of the golden-ringed dragonflies. It has large green eyes. Males and females are similar in appearance. Reliable separation from the other Turkish golden-ringed species, C. insignis, is mainly possible through the more squarish and flat back part of the occipital triangle (ovoid and swollen in insignis) and its greenish eyes (generally bluish in insignis), supporting its status of distinct species (2).

Related species

Caucasian goldenring biology

Virtually nothing has been recorded of the Caucasian goldenring’s biology and behaviour, but this may be inferred from what is known about C. bidentata, which has a close structural morphology and habitat. The eggs hatch should 2 to 11 weeks after egg deposition and the larval period should last two to six years, depending on the altitude. It should include around 15 stadia. After metamorphosis and emergence, adults, which are, like other Odonata species, generalised, opportunistic feeders, feed on flying insects. Males don't establish territories but patrol over long distances along river edges, searching for reproductive females, varying their route and standing quite often on herbs or branches exposed to the sun. Females are generally hidden and are much more scarcely observed than males. They lay by driving their eggs in the sandy sediments of rivers and brooks through a rhythmic vertical flight, distinctive of golden-ringed dragonflies (4).

Caucasian goldenring status

Caucasian goldenring threats

The Caucasian goldenrings' present status in Georgia is unknown, but there appear to be no immediate threats in Turkey. However, water pollution and extraction for human use pose potential threats in the future, particularly through the inclusion of Turkey within the European Union and subsequent economic development, which would likely result in the use of less traditional human activities (1).

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Glossary

Larval

Of the stage in an animal’s lifecycle after it hatches from the egg. Larvae are typically very different in appearance to adults; they are able to feed and move around but usually are unable to reproduce.

Metamorphosis

An abrupt physical change from the larval to the adult form.

Territory

An area occupied and defended by an animal, a pair of animals or a colony.

Thorax

Part of the body located near the head in animals. In insects, the three segments between the head and the abdomen, each of which has a pair of legs.

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